Spring Creek Wild Horse Gather

Gather operations from Sept. 15 to Sept. 17

Details of the Gather:

September 15, BLM will gather approximately 60 wild horses in the Herd Management Area (HMA), which is a 21,932 acre area managed for a healthy wild horse herd that is in balance with other resources and uses. The current estimated population of wild horses in the HMA is about 90. This number is based on ground survey completed in May 2011 by volunteers with the Four Corners Backcountry Horsemen and includes the 2011 foal crop.

The appropriate management level identified for the population in this HMA is between 35 to 65 wild horses. Up to 10 of the captured adult horses will be released to maintain herd population within the established appropriate management level. The application of the contraceptive porcine zona pellucida will be administered to mares released back into the HMA.

Adoption:

About 25 of the wild horses gathered will be available for adoption through BLM’s wild horse and burro program. The adoption will be held at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 24 at 9 a.m. in Cortez. Individuals interested in adopting a horse must meet corral and shelter requirements. These standards are at www.blm.gov/adoptahorse/requirements.php. The wild horses not adopted will be placed in long-term pastures.

Wild horse numbers have increased an average of 23 percent per year since the HMA was gathered in 2007, thereby reducing the frequency of gathers. Under the authority of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, BLM manages, protects, and controls wild horses and burros as part of its overall multiple-use mission. The Bureau works to ensure that population levels are in balance with rangeland resources and other uses of the public lands. Wild horses have virtually no predators and can double in population about every four years if not managed.

For more information on the Wild Horse and Burro Program, call 866-468-7826 or email wildhorse@blm.gov.